Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals

Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals. (Supplied)
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Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals. (Supplied)
Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals
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Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals. (Supplied)
Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals
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Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals. (Supplied)
Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals
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Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 July 2024
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Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals

Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals
  • Winners will represent Saudi Arabia in a global competition later this year

DHAHRAN: Dhahran was the big winner in the Saudi segment of the F1 in Schools National Championships powered by Aramco, with teams claiming first and fourth places in the competition held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, at the weekend.

The 2024 national champion title went to Dhahran’s Shaheen, second place to Al-Ahsa’s Venture, third to Riyadh’s Clad, and fourth — an additional award added for the first time — to Dhahran’s Oryx.




Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)

Winners will represent Saudi Arabia in a global competition due to take place in the Kingdom later this year.

The F1 in Schools competition is a globally recognized educational program that challenges students to design, build, and race miniature F1 cars. This year’s theme was “Overtake the Impossible.”

Maha Abdulhadi, head of F1 in Schools at Ithra, said in a statement: “With a shared commitment to serving as an incubator of education and youth empowerment, Ithra and F1 in Schools offer young people the knowledge and experiential spaces to develop their ambition and skills to create a bright future for themselves and their country.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The F1 in Schools competition is a globally recognized educational program that challenges students to design, build, and race miniature F1 cars.

• Participating students, aged 15-16, were expected to use a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning program.

“We are excited to host these promising young students, their families and visitors from across the country as the competition shifts gears.”




Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)

Ithra’s Great Hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13.

Eight simulators will allow those over the age of 15 to test drive an F1 vehicle in real time. A VR experience also offers visitors an authentic taste of high-speed action.

On Saturday, students cheered when they saw their faces appear on screen during a “Day in the Life of F1 in Schools” video segment.




Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)

The ceremony also celebrated trainers and judges who had flown in from around the world, as well as local judges.

Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals.

Participating students, all 15 or 16 years of age, were expected to use a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning program, which combines both hard and soft skills.




Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)

Students were able to explore topics ranging from physics and aerodynamics to design, manufacturing, branding and graphics. They were also taught marketing and leadership skills, how to use social media effectively, and how to create a financial strategy.

This year, 120 students were split into 20 teams, with each team working out of a local hub. The cities of Dhahran, Al-Ahsa, Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah returned this year, while Abha was added for the first time.

To demonstrate Ithra’s commitment to local culture, folk dancers from each of the six represented cities performed together on stage, while images of students working on their F1 projects were displayed in the background.




Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)

Ithra first partnered with F1 in Schools in 2021, and has been running the national level competition in Saudi Arabia, spearheading the launch of several learning hubs across the Kingdom to facilitate the training and development of students as part of the F1 challenge.

In 2023, Ithra hosted the country’s first F1 in Schools national finals, with 16 teams competing.

Andrew Denford, the founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, noted at the time that girls made up 68 percent of the participating students. Three of the teams went on to represent Saudi Arabia at that year’s world finals in Singapore, with the Oryx team from Dhahran winning the Innovative Thinking Award.




The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)

A large percentage of girls also took part in the competition this year, competing for 12 awards in categories ranging from fastest car and verbal presentation to sustainability.

In continuing with Ithra’s promotion of recycling, workshops created molds of cars by melting plastic bottle caps in a designated lab. Molds made specifically for F1 in Schools will be available all week.

Under the library’s escalator, a car made of 90 percent recycled or repurposed components, including 5,000 water bottles, steel and acrylic sheets, was placed on display. At least 12 people took about 1,500 hours to create the 120 kg vehicle.

The 10-day series of events will include interactive activities, as well as a paper car-making workshop, mixed reality pit garage, car Lego station, and talks with F1 experts.

Speaking at the award ceremony, David Howes, director of communication and events for F1 in Schools, said: “Having worked for F1 Esports since 2004, I’ve witnessed our global community grow from four countries to 62 today, and it really is an honor to be here in Saudi Arabia, not only to witness a national title, but to witness a world-class event, and most importantly, to see world-class teams competing.”

The fourth Formula 1 in Schools is now open for applicants. Students who qualify can apply via the Ithra website, where a full schedule of this week’s activities is also on view.

 

 


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 8 sec ago
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 12 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 22 min 18 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.


34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh

34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh

34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
  • Event features more than 600 exhibitors from 31 countries
  • Show provides ‘insights into the future of the industry,’ exhibitor says

RIYADH: More than 600 companies from 31 countries are taking part in this year’s Saudi Build Exhibition, which opened on Monday in the Saudi capital.

The largest platform for the construction industry in the region, the event runs until Thursday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. It was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani, who visited several of exhibitors to see for himself some of the latest innovations in the sector.

Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of Riyadh Exhibitions Co. which organized the exhibition, thanked Al-Hashani for his support and said that this year’s show — its 34th edition — would contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitions to build a diverse and sustainable economy.

He also highlighted the latest techniques being used in the industry that align with the ministry’s strategy and wider objectives of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Build Exhibition was first held in 1981 and is now an annual event. It is the longest-running building and construction exhibition and summit in the region. This year’s show coincides with a high point in the Kingdom’s construction industry, including the development of major projects for Expo 2030.

Among the products and technologies on show are sustainable building materials, smart city solutions, energy-efficient building systems, the latest equipment and machinery, and water and waste management solutions.

Mohamed El-Toukhy of Al-Zamil Group, which is one of the exhibitors, told Arab News: “It is a big platform for us working in this sector and a good opportunity for networking as it provides a valuable platform for local and international companies to showcase their products and services, network with industry professionals and explore new business opportunities.

“It also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the construction sector and gain insights into the future of the industry.”


Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities

Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities

Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
  • Prince Abdulaziz visited the Special Forces Command for Security and Protection in Riyadh to oversee the progress of operations

RIYADH: A new digital transformation project aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s security capabilities was inaugurated on Monday by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Abdulaziz visited the Special Forces Command for Security and Protection in Riyadh to oversee the progress of operations and launch the new initiative.

Commander of the Special Forces for Security and Protection Marine Maj. Gen. Mansour bin Nasser Al-Fayez presented an overview of the project, which involves the development of 12 administrative systems designed to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Command and control centers will be enhanced with artificial intelligence technologies to support strategic operations, SPA added.

Prince Abdulaziz was also briefed on the deployment of “smart patrols,” which are outfitted with the latest tracking and monitoring equipment, security documentation tools, and drones to enhance field operations.

These high-tech patrols aim to bolster the forces’ ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to various security needs.

Prince Abdulaziz was joined on the visit by several officials including his deputy Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud and Maj. Gen. Shaya bin Salem Al-Wadani, director-general of the Saudi Border Guards.